(L-R) Ed Moore III, Torsten A. Dryden

Posted By: WLJS News Jacksonville 12/27/2013 at 4:02 A.M. / Updated 12/27/2013 at 2:28 P.M.

Jacksonville, Alabama --- WLJS' soon-to-be departed anchor Ed Moore III has announced his appointment of a vice president for a newly formed civil and human rights group that he will serve as president of following his last day with the station Wednesday.

Torsten A. Dryden, 22, of Jacksonville, was appointed December 13 by Moore as vice-president of the Justice and Civil Rights Initiative, an organization based on the campus of Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville.

The organization was created by Moore in November, geared towards addressing and investigating civil and human rights injustices, as well as other acts of negligent or criminal behavior towards victims.

Dryden, who will officially begin his position January 1, currently serves as Chief Justice for the Jacksonville State University Student Government Association. The office of the Chief Justice operates as the judicial branch of the university's SGA.

According to Moore, Dryden will continue serving in that role.

In a statement released Thursday, Moore says Dryden brings everything the organization needs to be successful.

"Torsten Dryden is just what a new organization of this nature needs," said Moore. "His desire for the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness has been made clear during our conversations. I am happy to have him aboard."

Dryden said Thursday he is happy to be a part of the group as well.

"I am excited to be appointed VP of this organization and serve the students of JSU. I hope to lend a helping hand to students in need and fulfill our organization's mission statement."

According to Moore, Dryden has already begun spreading the word about the group and has gathered potential members, mostly JSU students, that will be interviewed sometime in January.

Moore has not yet announced a date for the organization's first meeting.

"After my official departure from WLJS on January 1, we will then be able to set up a date for a public interest meeting."

As of Friday, Moore has also released the organization's mission statement. It reads as followed:

"The Mission of the Justice and Civil Rights Initiative is to assist in the progression of civil, social and cultural understanding for all people, regardless of gender, race, color, creed, nationality, age, sexual orientation or disability, while providing advocacy to address and investigate acts of civil or human wrongdoing, as well as any other form of inappropriate, potentially harmful, negligent and/or criminal behavior aimed at infringing upon the rights of an individual or individuals, while also serving as a liaison or representative, be it public or private, to those who are victims of civil or human wrongdoing."


This report was made through WLJS News in Jacksonville, Alabama on 12/27/2013 at 4:02 A.M. / Updated 12/27/2013 at 2:28 P.M.